A Parcelforce Worldwide spokesperson said: “Parcelforce Worldwide has a zero tolerance approach to any dishonesty and that stance is shared by the overwhelming majority of delivery men and women, who are honest and hardworking and who do all they can to protect the mail and deliver it safely.

“It is a criminal offence to tamper with or delay the delivery of mail and anyone caught doing so will face serious disciplinary measures and Parcelforce Worldwide will always seek to prosecute the tiny minority of people who abuse their position of trust.

“The safety and security of mail is of the utmost importance to this business and Parcelforce Worldwide will not allow the actions of any individual to damage the good reputation of our thousands of hard-working delivery men and women.”